I keep getting asked about the next Slow Food Potluck as it has been a few months since our Spring Fundraiser in May. With the hectic schedule between graduations, the BBQ Fest and Father’s Day all occurring in June, it’s typically the time we go on hiatus. Luckily, that’s over and we are happy to announce our July potluck will be at The Southside Smokehouse & Grille in Landrum from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 20.

For those of you not in the know, Southside Smokehouse and Grille is not your typical BBQ place. Chef Sarah McClure brings a new twist to southern traditional foods. A Foothills local, McClure moved to Georgia. and became the protégé of Chef Peter Dale who was named Food & Wine Magazine’s The People’s Best New Chef Southeast in 2012. Having such a creative mentor started her on the track to her current career and led her back to Landrum and to run her father’s restaurant.

In true Slow Food manner, McClure uses the basic ingredients we all know and love, but adds her special creative touch. She specializes in seasonal local and organic side dishes to go along with some of the traditional and not so traditional fish and meats. Of course, she also offers BBQ and Cajun foods and is willing to accommodate special dietary needs of her patrons. Some of her special offerings include shrimp and grits, catfish tacos, fried green tomato and pimento burgers, coconut buttermilk pie and grilled citrus pound cake with peaches.

McClure, who is always looking for local contacts for local organic ingredients, will be on hand during the potluck and welcomes farmers and growers who could help supply her restaurant to come seek her out. I personally am looking forward to seeing what dish she will contribute to the potluck. No doubt, it will be absolutely delicious.

Slow Food potlucks are free and open to the community. The purpose of the potluck is to gather with people around great food and conversation. We ask that everyone who attends brings a dish to share and with the farmer’s markets in full swing, buying fresh, local nutritious foods are easy. My apple McIntosh tree is abundant so I’ll be sharing some tart, chunky applesauce this month. July potlucks are typically heavily attended so a generous size dish is encouraged.

We will have note cards available on site but request that you try to bring a description of your dish, including use of any fresh, local ingredients and notating dishes that are vegetarian, vegan and gluten Free for those with food allergies. We also ask everyone to bring his or her own place settings if possible to cut down on waste. This event will be BYOB; water and tea will be provided.

Slow Food Asheville Foothills is part of an international organization that promotes fresh, clean and fair food for all. We believe that access to delicious food is a right, not a privilege. For more information on the organization log onto www.slowfoodashevillefoothills.org, like us on Facebook or e-mail us at info@slowfoodashevillefoothills.org to join our mailing list and be updated of our monthly events and community projects.

The Southside Smokehouse and Grille is located on Hwy. 176 between Landrum and Campobello about 1/2 mile from the traffic light in Landrum at the intersection of Hwy. 14 (at the railroad crossing).

– article submitted 

by Mindy Wiener